The Supreme Court sentenced a 60-year-old man to life in jail after finding him guilty of shooting and killing two people, including a police officer.

Pokati Tuu from Fasitoo-uta was found guilty by a panel of five assessors last week. He shot and stabbed Lafaele Iosefo on 21 July 2024 in Nofoalii. A day later, while on the run from the police, he shot and killed Detective Sergeant Peniamina Perite.

Justice Mata Tuatagaloa said she concurred with assessors and told Tuu that the charge of murder carried a sentence of life, and it was being invoked with the guilty verdict.

The court found that the prosecution had proved beyond a reasonable doubt that Tuu, being angry after finding out that his wife was living with another man after leaving him, shot and killed Iosefo in front of her. This incident happened inside the house of Iosefo.

The court also agreed that Tuu had shot Detective Perite when the police came to look for him.

The only matter remaining is the minimum time to be served before Tuu becomes eligible for parole.

Prosecutor Lucymaria Sio-Ofoia submitted to the court that Tuu serve at least 20 years before he can be considered for parole. On the other hand, defence counsel Maposua Tanya Toailoa objected to the 20-year minimum term served and submitted that Tuu should be granted parole after serving 10 years.

Justice Tuatagaloa asked both counsel to make their submissions and she would provide a ruling in her written judgment.